Pregnancy For Dad
Women are usually the focus of attention when it comes to pregnancy. Articles, books and websites are dedicated to distributing information and divulging helpful tips to let them know what to expect, how to prepare and even what to pack for the hospital or birthing center. Expectant dads, on the other hand, do have some resources dedicated to preparing them for pregnancy, birth and bringing their baby home, but they are often overlooked, or have to glean what information they can from the materials left lying around by their wives or girlfriends.
Having at least a basic understanding of what to expect can assist dads in knowing what the coming months might bring and will better prepare them to be an involved and supportive partner throughout the pregnancy, while also attending to their own emotions and needs. For example, there may be times during her pregnancy that your wife or girlfriend will experience significant mood swings and seem like a different person than the woman you knew pre-pregnancy. Understanding that this is a natural, normal response to changes in hormones and the emotions that pregnancy arouses will help you maintain your patience and not take it personally.
Knowing that frequent urination, nausea and vomiting will all likely be part of the pregnancy experience is also good information for dads to have. If you are equipped with this knowledge, you can help keep your partner comfortable, and you from becoming overly frustrated, by planning accordingly. For example, if you and your wife or girlfriend are taking a long drive, you can set yourself up for success by planning restroom breaks, bringing supplies for nauseous incidents, and maybe even bringing along a travel urinal device for emergencies. These handy portable units can easily fit in a larger cosmetics case or small backpack to stow in the trunk and, while it might not seem like much, producing one of these right when she needs it the most and there is not a bathroom in sight just might be the most appreciated romantic gesture you have ever done for her.
Preparing mentally and physically for the delivery will help keep emotions under control when the big day gets under weigh. Attending birth classes, planning what to pack, and learning how to be a good labor coach will help make the experience smooth for all.
While women are usually thought to be the emotional ones during pregnancy, pregnancy can also be an emotional time for dads. The excitement of becoming a father is often mixed with concerns about being able to support your growing family, how your life and your relationship with your partner will change, and whether you will be a good parent. This mix of emotions is very normal for soon-to-be fathers, which is why it is important to remember to attend to your emotions and needs, while you are also attending to the needs of your pregnant partner. Keeping an open dialogue with your wife or girlfriend is a key component in ensuring that you are both taken care of during this exciting, emotional time in your relationship.
